AMERICAN ORIGINALS
Important Early
Painted Basket    

New England, likely Nantucket or New Hampshire, ca. 1830. Original red paint on white oak and pine, with iron tacks.

As described in AMERICAN BASKETS, A Folk Art Tradition: “This may be an early prototype of the later classic Nantucket lightship baskets. Few other basket-making traditions are known to have used the combination of white oak ribs, a wooden bottom and such sophisticated construction technique as are found in this example”.

Stunning in design and presence.  Skillfully woodworked, in particular the unusual handle joinery. Bold size at about 15 inch diameter x 10 tall not including the handle. In a robust and beautiful state of preservation.

EXHIBITED: “AMERICAN BASKETS, A Folk Art Tradition”, David Schorsch, New York, October 16-November 16, 1988.
PUBLISHED: “AMERICAN BASKETS, A Folk Art Tradition”, David Schorsch, BACK COVER and no. 5.
PROVENANCE: Suzanne Courcier and Robert Wilkins, Austerlitz, NY; David Schorsch, New York, 1988; Collection of Ralph Esmerian, New York (reference AMERICAN RADIANCE, The Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum); David Wheatcroft, Westboro, MA; David Schorsch and Eileen Smiles, Woodbury, CT, New England private collection; Don Olson, Rochester, NY.